Novak Djokovic, known for his on-court prowess and off-court charisma, recently delighted fans at the 2025 French Open with a playful tribute to fellow tennis star Aryna Sabalenka. Following his commanding straight-sets victory over Cameron Norrie in the fourth round, Djokovic celebrated by mimicking Sabalenka's distinctive victory pose, striking a confident stance for the cameras as he exited the court.
This light-hearted gesture is the latest in a series of entertaining exchanges between Djokovic and Sabalenka, highlighting their growing camaraderie. Earlier in the year, during the Australian Open, Sabalenka showcased her athleticism by performing a high kick to knock a bottle off her coach's head, a feat that quickly went viral. Djokovic attempted to replicate the stunt with his hitting partner, Carlos Gomez-Herrera, but humorously fell short, prompting Sabalenka to quip about her superior flexibility.
Their mutual admiration extends beyond playful mimicry. Sabalenka has publicly supported Djokovic's decisions regarding his career longevity, asserting that he should continue playing as long as he desires. In turn, Djokovic has lauded Sabalenka's achievements, notably congratulating her on her maiden US Open triumph in 2024.
'Just Leave Him Alone': Aryna Sabalenka Slams Retirement Talk Surrounding Novak Djokovic Amid Roland Garros 2025; Video
During the 2025 French Open, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka addressed ongoing speculations about Novak Djokovic's potential retirement. In a post-match press conference following her third-round victory over Olga Danilovic, Sabalenka responded to questions regarding Djokovic's longevity in the sport.
"You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone, look at him. He’s fit. He’s strong. Mentally and physically, I think he’s ready to play another two or three years," Sabalenka stated. "He’s doing really well. Of course, everyone has ups and downs. The older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level. Just leave him alone. Let him just be."
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had recently secured his 100th ATP title at the Geneva Open, joining an elite group of players to achieve this milestone. At Roland Garros, he advanced to the third round with a straight-sets victory over Corentin Moutet.
Sabalenka also commented on the rising stars in men's tennis, noting that players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still have progress to make to reach Djokovic's level.
Her defense of Djokovic underscores the respect and camaraderie among top tennis professionals, highlighting the challenges athletes face as they age and the importance of allowing them to compete without undue speculation.
